Constantine inducts 2013 Hall of Fame class

Falcons enshrine class

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By Angie Birdsall

Sturgis Journal - Sturgis, MI

By Angie Birdsall

Posted Oct. 21, 2013 at 7:35 PM

By Angie Birdsall
Posted Oct. 21, 2013 at 7:35 PM

The eleventh Constantine Athletic Hall of Fame banquet was held Saturday, Oct. 5 at the high school, with over 180 people in attendance. Inducted were Ken Rimer, Carl Nottoli, the 2002 Football Team, and the 1994 Girl's Track Team.

Athletic director Mike Messner called it "the most rewarding evening of the year."

"This is a special time to talk about special people. Athletics are an important part of what we do at Constantine.Your achievements contribute to the great tradition of Constantine athletics, but it isn't just about athletics. It's about people. Your hard work, positive attitude and dedication exemplify pride," he said.

Superintendent Chuck Frisbie said it was a time to "remember the thrill of an exciting win or loss" and what was involved.

"Our foundation is built on dedication, tradition and teamwork. The greatness of any school is measured by the achievements of its students--in the classroom and beyond. You make us very proud to wear the red and white of Constantine Falcons," Frisbie said.

Ken Rimer received a standing ovation. He commended the dedication of Constantine's coaching staff.

"One of the main reasons our program is successful is the discipline we have. John F. Kennedy said, 'Things do not happen. Things must be made to happen.' I wish everyone could experience a semi final when you know you're going to a state championship," Rimer said.

He added he is the only coach who has been a part of 54 playoff games.

Tim Baker said the 2002 football team was the first to use the successful Wing-T formation.

"This is a great group of kids. It was an honor to coach, and I couldn't be prouder of their being inducted in the Hall of Fame," he said.

Ken Rimer: Football Coach 1981-presdent, 1990-present assistant varsity and defensive coordinator, 211 wins and 48 losses, 127 straight Tomahawk wins, nine league titles, 10 MHSAA District Titles, seven MHSAA Regional Titles, four MHSAA State Runner-ups and the 2004 State Championship; from 1993 thru 1999 we played 62 regular season games and had 35 shutdowns, giving us an average of 4.5 points per game and never more than 57 points in a season; the 1996 team had 8 shutouts and gave up only seven points the entire regular season. Rimer has coached 14 years of seventh grade Boy's Basketball.

2002 Football Team (11-2 overall) The 2002 Football Team finished the regular season 7-1 and shut out 5 of their eight opponents.

Page 2 of 2 - They averaged 36.9 points per game while holding their opponents to 6.4 points per game. They defeated Mendon on a spectacular catch by Zach McGill, 22-21, and defeated White Pigeon 35-0, retaining the Tomahawk for the 12th straight year. This was the seventh playoff team and second to go all the way to the MHSAA finals. Along the way they won District Championship and beat the #1 team in the state in Division V in the Regional Championship, 13-7, with a punishing defense that forced six turnovers.

1994 Girls Track Team won both the St. Joseph Valley League Championship and the MHSAA Regional Championship. Along the way they were 10-0 in dual meets and finished first in the Bronson Relays, Delton Relays, the Constantine Invitational and the St. Joseph Valley League meet.

They set three school records--all in relays: 400 m relay-51.8; 1600 m relay-4:18.3, and the 3200 m. relay-10.27.4. Eight girls scored more than 90 points during the year, led by Teri Montague's 196.25 points.